Bears’ New Era Begins with Painful Collapse Against Vikings
Chicago football fans had waited months for this moment: the official debut of Ben Johnson as head coach of the Bears. Hired eight months ago, Johnson stepped into his first real test under the Monday Night Football spotlight at Soldier Field. What unfolded felt like the full Chicago Bears experience—both the highs that spark hope and the crushing lows that leave fans shaking their heads.
The night started like a dream. On their opening drive, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams looked every bit the No. 1 pick. He was precise, sharp, and confident, going 6-for-6 before capping the drive with a nine-yard rushing touchdown—surprisingly his first in the NFL despite starting all last season. The crowd roared, believing maybe this year would be different. For a while, it seemed possible. By halftime, Chicago led 10-6, and early in the third quarter, cornerback Nashon Wright gave them a 17-6 advantage with a stunning 74-yard interception return. Soldier Field buzzed with optimism.
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But then the familiar story crept back in. Penalties, missed opportunities, and shaky execution cracked open the door. Cairo Santos missed a 50-yard field goal, the run game sputtered, and Williams’ accuracy began to drift. Meanwhile, Minnesota rookie J.J. McCarthy settled down and orchestrated a comeback, slicing through a Bears defense that looked gassed by the fourth quarter. What had been an 11-point Chicago lead turned into a 27-17 deficit in what felt like minutes.
The Bears clawed back with a late touchdown, but the game ended in a 27-24 loss, leaving boos cascading from the stands. Twelve penalties for 127 yards buried any momentum. Drives stalled repeatedly—punted away or wasted with mistakes. After their electric first touchdown drive, the offense managed just one more touchdown until the final desperate minutes.
In the locker room, frustration was mixed with resolve. Tight end Cole Kmet reminded reporters that opening-day wins don’t guarantee anything long term, and maybe this early stumble would be forgotten if progress came later. Williams, who finished 21-for-35 with 210 yards and two scores while leading the team in rushing, admitted the offense has to grow but insisted he and Johnson are building something lasting. “This is the start,” he said, “but definitely not the end.”
Johnson himself shouldered blame, especially for the lack of rhythm in the running game and the team’s lack of discipline. His arrival was supposed to signal a new direction, yet the first chapter felt too much like the old script—big mistakes, squandered leads, and another Soldier Field letdown.
For now, Bears fans are left with mixed emotions: the thrill of Williams’ talent and Johnson’s vision, and the sting of yet another home loss. The hope is that Monday night was only an initiation, not a preview of another painful season.
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